What Jesus Saw

 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41

A great crowd gathered when they found out Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They cut palm branches and laid their coats on the ground for Jesus’ donkey to walk over. Praises were offered as He passed by. His disciples didn’t know what to make of it, and the Pharisees told Jesus to tell them to stop shouting.

The crowd saw the King who would reign in Jerusalem. The Pharisees saw a trouble making pseudo prophet. The disciples saw a man who was taking a big risk. Jesus saw something that no one else did; the cross.

The cross was like a beacon that drew him each step of the way. The triumph that He would win was something that no one could imagine. Who would think that to die would be victory? How could suffering be an expression of love?

Only One on earth could see the purpose that the Father had in sending the Son. When Jesus taught the disciples about His suffering and death they didn’t get it. Peter even rebuked Him in Matthew 18:22. Jesus though, was determined to obey the Father’s plan and be the “Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.” John 1:29

Obedience to the Father’s plan was the only thing that would release the Father’s love for people who didn’t see it. Without appreciation Jesus saw what He had to do and did it.

Can we be obedient to God’s word? When there seems to be nothing in it for us can we serve others just because they need to be served. Can we do it even though they aren't thankful and they misunderstand our motives? What about when we are accused of being self serving when we only wish to help others? If we can, then we will understand a little bit what Jesus saw as He looked over Jerusalem and saw a place that would be destroyed and a people who would be scattered. He gave Himself to them anyway because love was His motivation.

Thank God He did